SALEM- Gertrude S. Friend, 83, wife of Eliot W. Friend, of Salem, died Sunday evening, February 9, 2003 in the Salem Hospital following a short illness.
Born in Salem, she was the daughter of the late Boleslaw and Stefania (Szczechowicz) Suwinski and was a lifelong resident of the city.
Prior to her retirement in 1974, Mrs. Friend was employed for 34 years by GTE Sylvania in the credit union and the personnel office at the Boston Street, Salem plant.
Besides her husband, she is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Ross and Laurie Panacopoulos of Salem, two grandchildren, Alexis Panacopoulos and Charles Panacopoulos, both of Salisbury, 2 nephews and one niece. She was the sister of the late Thaddeus Suwinski, Edmund Suwinski, Blanche Mahoney, Alice Kawczynska, Dorothy Suwinska, and Janet Bogardus.
Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 10 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 am at the St John The Baptist Church, Salem. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Wednesday, 4 to 7 pm. Burial is in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or to the Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.